Photo: supercars.com

Michael Caruso returns to GRM, Richie Stanaway still sidelined

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Michael Caruso will return as a solo Supercars driver as he subs for injured Garry Rogers Motorsport pilot Richie Stanaway at the upcoming Townsville 400.

Stanaway has been absent for three races so far this season after an old neck injury returned during the Winton Supersprint with fellow New Zealander Chris Pither replacing him since Race 14.

Despite Pither equalling Stanaway’s best result of the season in his short appearances as the back-up driver, Caruso has now been brought in to fill the seat of the #33 machine, marking a return to GRM for the first time since 2012.

Caruso started his full-time Supercars career with the Holden team, signing on in 2008 and winning his first race in 2009 with them, departing the team at the start of the 2013 season for the new Nissan team, now Kelly Racing.

After losing his seat at the ex-Nissan factory team this season, Townsville will mark the first Supercars race for Caruso this year ahead of his appearances as a co-driver for Tickford Racing in this year’s Enduro Cup.

Caruso spoke of his return to the squad which gave him his break in a statement from Boost Mobile Racing.

“It’s going to a blast to get back in one of Garry’s race cars for the Townsville race weekend,” Caruso said.

“I have such fond memories racing for GRM. There’s so many familiar faces there, it really feels like home.

“This would not have been possible without the approval of Tickford Racing, so I really have to thank Tim Edwards and his crew for allowing me the chance to drive at Townsville with GRM.

“Personally, it’s going to be great to get more laps in ahead of the endurance races. I haven’t raced since the final round at Newcastle last year, but I’m sure it won’t take long for me to get my head back into race mode.

“It’s a shame that Richie is continuing to struggle with his injury, so I’m aiming to do any best for the team and bring home some decent team’s points.”

The Townsville 400 will kick off on July 5 and will be contested over two 200km races on the Saturday and Sunday of the event.